Bravery medals – how they are awarded

Staff reporters

Medals for bravery are awarded by the federal government. They were established, with the Australian honours system, in 1975.

The selection criterion for recipients is those who have placed themselves in danger while protecting others' lives or property. A distinction is drawn between bravery and mere "fortitude" in a crisis.

"Bravery is a deliberate choice to go from a place of safety to danger or remain in a perilous position to provide help," the Australian Honours Secretariat notes.

There are four levels of distinction for bravery awards, in descending order:

Cross of Valour (five recipients)

Star of Courage (145 recipients)

Bravery Medal (1140 recipients)

Commendation for Brave Conduct (1880 recipients)

Since 1990, bravery citations can be awarded to groups of people acting bravely in concert. These have been awarded a little over 800 times.

Anyone performing an act in Australia, whether a citizen or otherwise, can be nominated. Nominations are awarded by the Bravery Decorations Council composed of 14 members, including representatives from each state and territory and four community members appointed on the advice of the prime minister.

The last recipients of the Cross of Valour, the highest level of commendation, were two West Australian men, Timothy Britten and Richard Joyes, who rescued victims from the 2003 Bali bombings, despite threats to their safety from ongoing blasts.